• The Florida panther's watchful gaze- Courtesy- Ralph Arwood

    Big Cypress

    National Preserve Florida

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Annual 60-Day ORV Closure for Wheeled Vehicles

    Beginning at 12:01 am Monday, June 3, the annual 60-day recreational ORV closure for all units of the Preserve that allow for wheeled ORV access will begin. The closure will be lifted on Friday, August 2. More »

  • Campground Closures

    Beginning Monday, May 13 through Friday, August 16 camping will be available at the Midway Campground and the “loop” in the Bear Island Campground within Big Cypress National Preserve. All other established campgrounds will be closed. More »

  • Interstate 75 Mile Marker 63 Closure

    Beginning summer of 2013 the rest area and backcountry access at mile marker 63 will be closed due to construction. More »

Hunting

A long-established recreational activity in the area, hunters were instrumental in protecting this corner of remote, wild Florida. Hunting activities continue today and include seasons for archery, muzzle loading and general gun. Typical game species are white-tailed deer, turkey and hogs. Alligator hunting is not allowed within the national preserve.

Hunting within the Preserve is managed cooperatively between the National Park Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

 
  • Off-road vehicle and hunting access related to surface water Off-road vehicle and hunting access related to surface water

    An overview of hydrologic conditions to be considered. Read More

  • Complete your backcountry permit online Complete your backcountry permit online

    Get one today! Read More

  • Hunting Rules & Regulations Hunting Rules & Regulations

    This link takes you to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's page for the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area. You can find the up to date rules brochure there. Read More

Did You Know?

Bear in a tree.

Many do not expect to see bears in Florida. Actually, we have a healthy population within the state. Big Cypress is one of their ideal habitats in southwest Florida. If camping in the area, be sure to keep your camp "bear proof."